KICKDOWN ADJUSTEMENTS on TORQUEFLITE "cast iron" Since i overhauled some Torqueflites i always had some problems with the "forced kickdown" (or forced downshift 3-2 or 2-1 or 3-1). Generally it does not function properly and one depresses in vain on the accelerator, the car does not downshift.. VERY SIGNIFICANT: on all the "old transmissions" (before '70) the kickdown occurs only in the last 1/10 inches before the pedal goes to floor. If you accelerate hardly but without going "to the floor" you will not have a kickdown ! For a few weeks I have studied well the question, send requests to the mailing lists and made various tests. Now I have a correct kickdown on my Imperial !! It's just a matter of adjustment but NOT AS INDICATES IN the SHOP MANUAL . Only problem, as my transmission upshifts badly from 2 into 3 (lack of synchronization between release of KD band and engagement of rear clutch) I have it also in kickdown 3-2. Thus my trans. should re-overhauled this winter. But at least it "(forced) downshifts" now ! Problem solved (at 90 %) : bad kickdown band adjustement (with manual adjustement...), i'll let know what happen on mailing list. The various methods of the FSM are described on the pics A-B-C-D-E below (click to enlarge). Approximately, here what is indicated (I summarize):
But this method doesn't work on my car ! If i make the FSM adjustement the transmission throttle lever can't go to "kickdown" position (all the way backwards) when the accelrator pedal is floored.. I advise you to first test the FSM method and if it doesn't work (lack of KD), take a look at my method (bottom of this page)
Note: on all pics o this page the "throttle valve spring" has been removed for purpose of easier pics. This spring is between kickdown and throttle valves , see position on pic # 1 and pic 4c. Picture 1 : "release" position (throttle lever on
"stop" adjusting bolt). The port A is closed by k.d valve large diameter.
You can seen a part of this large diameter at the left of A . The
"check balls
port" has been tracked on the other valve bodies and yes it leads to check balls
"1-2" and "2-3" which are in the lower valve body then to
shift valves. Click to enlarge
Picture 2 : As it is with light throttle (1/4 maybe ?). The throttle lever has pushed a little the k.d valve. Port A remains closed
Picture 3 : You push hard on the gas pedal so throttle lever pushes on k.d valve stem (you feel resistance because you must compress the valve spring). But the port A is always closed (the larger diameter hasn't still open the port, see pic) ... So no kickdown
Picture 4 : maximum travel of throttle lever , the k.d valve is all the way in and the valve spring is completly compressed (need a lot of strenght..). Now the port A is open and throttle pressure can go to the check balls and 1-2 / 2-3 shift valves. The "larger diameter" k.d valve closes now the opening between "check balls port" and vent port. this is the kickdown position
Now test the car ..
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